This unit applies to the processes involved with handling and moving mushroom boxes. These activities are usually carried out within established routines, methods and farm procedures.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Distribute boxes for filling to picking rooms.

1.1. Materials, tools and equipment appropriate to the task being undertaken are selected, assembled where required, and positioned.

1.2. Pre-operational and safety checks are carried out on materials, tools and equipment according to manufacturer specifications and farm procedures.

1.3. Empty boxes are distributed to pickers in a timely and efficient manner to ensure smooth flow of picking work.

1.4. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and clothing are selected and used.

1.5. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) requirements and hazards associated with the tasks are identified and appropriate action is taken to minimise risks to self and others.

1.6. Site quarantine protocols and farm and personal hygiene requirements are applied and followed as required by farm procedures and supervisor instructions.

1.7. All work is performed in an environmentally aware and safe manner according to farm procedures and supervisor instructions.

2. Collect and move filled boxes.

2.1. Collection of filled boxes is coordinated with delivery of empty boxes to minimise trolley trips and ensure smooth flow of picking work.

2.2. Filled boxes are stacked on trolleys to the recommended height.

2.3. Stacked trolleys are moved from picking rooms safely and with consideration for other traffic flow in the area.

2.4. Filled boxes are handled carefully to ensure mushroom quality is maintained.

2.5. Filled boxes are moved in a timely and efficient manner to ensure smooth flow of packing and loading work.

2.6. Filled boxes are stacked in coolroom according to farm procedures.

2.7. Coolroom air and mushroom pulp temperatures are recorded according to farm procedures.

2.8. Variations from expected or required ranges of temperature or any other anomalies observed are reported to supervisor and remedial action is taken as directed.

3. Finalise tasks

3.1. Trolleys and other equipment are checked, cleaned and returned to store area or positioned for work for next shift.

3.2. Where required, faulty items are reported to supervisor for repair or replacement.

3.3. Daily work records are completed legibly and accurately according to farm procedures.

3.4. Work outcomes are reported to supervisor, feedback on performance is sought, and any required improvements are noted for future action.

Required skills

estimate quantities of boxes

maintain safe work practices including manual handling

estimate rate of packing for collection

handle boxes to maintain quality

use literacy skills to follow sequenced written instructions and record information accurately and legibly

use oral communication skills/language competence to fulfil the job role as specified by the organisation including questioning, active listening, asking for clarification and seeking advice from supervisor

use numeracy skills to estimate, calculate and record routine workplace measures

use interpersonal skills to relate to people from a range of social, cultural and ethnic backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities.

Required knowledge

safe manual handling techniques

quality requirements

collection and packing procedures

storage requirements for mushrooms.

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to workplace operations and satisfy holistically all of the requirements of the performance criteria and required skills and knowledge and include achievement of the following:

carry out an inventory of mushroom boxes

supply appropriate quantities of empty boxes to mushroom pickers in a number of picking rooms

collect filled boxes at a rate and in a manner that ensure the continued smooth flow of picking and packing work and that do not impede the movement of other traffic in the area

handle filled boxes in such a way that mushroom quality is maintained

record coolroom air and mushroom pulp temperatures.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Competency requires the application of work practices under work conditions. Selection and use of resources for some worksites may differ due to the regional or enterprise circumstances.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.

Packaging materials may include:

boxes and cartons

bulk bins

customised packaging

net bags

pre-packs

trays

crates.

Unit sector

Production horticulture

This unit contains employability skills.